Physics

The Physics department aims to provide pupils with an environment and atmosphere which encourages investigative thinking and gives pupils the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the physical world which we live in. By encouraging an interest in areas where Physics is important in our everyday lives we aim to achieve the best exam results possible and prepare pupils for life out with and after school.

The Physics department works closely with the other sciences and is well equipped. Each lab having an interactive white board and the department having access to a class set of laptops for pupil use within school.

Principal Teacher: Mr A Strachan

Department staff:

Broad General Education

All S1 and S2 pupils study an integrated Science course delivered to cover Level 3 Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes. Through this pupils develop their understanding of the world around us through real life science experiences whilst developing skills which will benefit them in science education, elsewhere in their learning and in the world outside of the classroom.

In S3 pupils can select to further develop their broad general education whilst developing the knowledge and skills for the senior phase through experience of CfE level 4 Physics outcomes.

Senior Phase

S4 pupils will study either National 3, National 4 or National 5 Physics or Environmental Science depending upon their attainment in S3 and the recommendations made by their teacher. During S4 the level of course which pupil are studying may be changed based on their attainment and progression.

In S5 and S6 Higher Physics is offered to pupils who achieve a National 5 pass at grades A-C.

There is also the opportunity for pupils in S5/S6 to follow the National 4 or National 5 Physics courses depending on their previous attainment in S4 or if they had not undertaken a Physics course in S4.

Advanced Higher Physics is available to pupils who have passed Higher Grade at level A or B.

All Physics pupils within the senior phase are issued homework on a weekly basis. Formal homework is expected to be completed and returned for marking to allow staff to determine pupil progress and to support learning within the classroom. When formal homework has not been issued pupils are expected to revise the work covered in class.

A range of materials are made available to pupils to help with revision and supported study is offered on a weekly basis.

National 3/4/5 Course Structures

Units:

• Electricity and Energy
• Waves and Radiations
• Dynamics and Space

External Assessment (National 5 only):

• Question paper consisting of multiple choice and written responses (worth 80% of overall mark)
• Assignment research task (worth 20% of overall mark)

Internal Assessment:

• 3 end of unit question papers
• Formal Experimental write-up
• Short Report (National 3/4 only)

Higher Course Structure

Units:

• Electricity
• Particles and Waves
• Our Dynamic Universe
• Researching Physics

External Assessment:

• Question paper consisting of multiple choice and written responses (worth 80% of overall mark)
• Assignment research task (worth 20% of overall mark)

Internal Assessment:

• 3 end of unit question papers
• Record of Progress for Researching Physics
• Formal Experimental write-up